Freigeist
Team
Let’s build a European Tech Champion together
Frank Thelen
Founder & CEO
Technology, Product, Design, Sales
Frank is a European serial founder, technology investor and TV personality. Since 1994, he has founded and managed over 10 technology and design-driven companies. He is very well connected and very well known in Germany and was a judge on the German version of the American prime-time TV-Show “Shark Tank” for 7 years. He wrote two bestselling books and is one of the most influential tech experts in Germany. Frank works with our founders on technology, design, team, sales, media and fundraising.
Michelle Fritsch
Executive Assistant to the CEO
After completing her bachelor’s degree in media and communication management, Michelle joined Freigeist as Frank’s personal assistant. During her studies, she worked for a large telecommunications provider, where she gained her first experience in online and video communication. As part of the communications team, she prepares all upcoming events and keynotes, as well as monitoring the social media channels of Frank, Freigeist and 10xDNA.
Marc Sieberger
Founder & COO/CFO
Operations, Finance, Legal
Marc has built and run operations as well as financial- and legal organizations in several companies. He led over fifty financing- and M&A transactions across multiple geographies. Marc studied at WHU, where he graduated with a double degree as Dipl. Kfm. and MBA. Marc works with our founders on operations, finance, marketing, and fundraising.
Marina Groß
Backoffice, Personal Assistant, HR
Marina has a commercial background as well as a bachelor's degree in literature and cultural studies. After her studies and first working experiences, she decided to shift her professional focus to assistance and joined an advertising agency in Bonn as assistant to the management. After several years of experience, she has joined the Freigeist team and is now supporting Frank and the other managing partners as personal assistant as well as supporting in HR matters.
Alex Koch
Founder & CTO
Technology, Tech‑Teams
Alex has built and led technology teams, designed and developed complex software solutions and advised many startups in technological challenges. Alex has a deep understanding of IT (software design, efficiency, and clouds), electronics and physics. In his role as co-founder and CTO of Freigeist, he works with our founders on choosing the best technology, building and growing teams, setting up the IT infrastructure and optimizing processes using appropriate software solutions.
Lena Heßbrügge
Head of Communications
Lena holds a Bachelor's Degree in Literary, Cultural and Media Studies and has interned and freelanced in the fields of content creation and online marketing during her studies. She started her career at Freigeist as Frank’s personal assistant and has managed his PR and Brand as well as his book projects „Startup-DNA“ and “10xDNA” which both became bestsellers in Germany. She has developed a deep understanding for press and media and is now responsible for all communication related topics around Frank and Freigeist as well as supporting our portfolio companies with PR & Communications.
Marcel Vogler
Partner
Marcel obtained a Master’s degree from WHU while working at numerous startups and companies throughout his studies. As co-owner of several McDonald’s franchises he has a deep understanding of operations. In his role as Partner at Freigeist he works with founders on scaling operations, boosting sales and streamlining finances.
Melissa Meister
Senior Brand Designer
Melissa has a degree in communication design and has previously worked as a junior graphic designer in an advertising agency as well as gaining experience as a freelancer. As Social Media Manager of Frank Thelen Media and Freigeist, she is responsible for content creation, monitoring, video production and post production for all social media channels. She is in charge of the graphic implementation of Franks keynotes, website content and assets for collaborations and campaigns.
Niklas Hebborn
Partner
Niklas studied at WHU and holds a Master Degree from ESCP. Prior to Freigeist Capital, he worked at Quadriga Capital and Roland Berger. As a partner at Freigeist Capital, he managed the investments in the following companies and provided them with strong operational support in topics such as go-to-market building, executive recruiting and fundraising: Xentral, Kraftblock, Build.One, YFood and Air up.
Stefanie Fremerey
Head of Accounting, Commercial Activities
Before joining Freigeist, Stefanie gained relevant experience in accounting and as an assistant to the managing director of her previous firm. She has already worked for public institutions and successfully set up the entire accounting department for several startups in Bonn. Stefanie is now in charge of the Freigeist Group's accounting department and supports the managing directors in their commercial tasks.
Domenico Cipolla
Partner
Domenico has two decades of experience in venture capital, angel investing and the management and consulting of young, dynamic growth companies. In the past, he built up several companies, such as home24 that he led from 20 to over 1,000 employees and prepared the IPO. Domenico studied at WHU. At Freigeist, he supports our founders in their growth strategies, in financing and operational improvements as well as building high-performance organizations in order to go from Seed to IPO.
Helen Gerharz
Investment Manager
Helen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Mannheim and a Master’s Degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the Copenhagen Business School. Before joining Freigeist, Helen gained experience in Consulting and Venture Development and worked with Startups. In her role as Investment Manager at Freigeist, Helen sources new deals and supports our portfolio companies with different operational tasks.
Alexander Pass
Investment Manager, Technology
Alexander holds two master degrees from the RWTH Aachen University in Production Engineering and Management, Business & Economics. Before joining Freigeist, he gained professional experience in digital manufacturing consulting while working at the McKinsey DCC Aachen, accompanying a spin-off company focused on digital performance management and interning at a highly funded enterprise software startup in Silicon Valley. In his role as an Investment Manager at Freigeist, he sources new companies, evaluates technology trends and supports portfolio companies with their business intelligence, among other things.
Meike Schult
People & Talent Manager, HR
After completing her Masters in Psychology at the TU Darmstadt, Meike joined Freigeist as a People & Talent Manager. During her studies, she gained extensive experience in the field of HR, especially in recruiting, and became a certified systemic coach. At Freigeist she is responsible for several internal HR topics such as recruiting, on-/offboarding and culture projects. She also provides HR support to our portfolio companies.
